Recreational Cyclocross and GravelbikingThis has to be the most physically intense sport ever invented. It's high speed bicycle racing on a short off road course or riding the off pavement rides on gravel like :The Dirty Kanza". We also have a dedicated Racing forum for the Cyclocross Hard Core Racers.

Nice colours indeed. Looks like they downgraded the derailers from Tiagra to Sora in order to stay at the same price point, but I think that the wheels are an improvement over last year's WH-R500. I have the '08 X6 and its a great bike. I'm finding that the 9 speed works very well in cross, particularly with sand, dirt, and snow that can build up on the chain.

It appears that Cannondale is leaning more towards cross competition vs cross bikes for commuting. The Cyclocross 5 is a nice addition to a price point gap they had last year.